How to Copy RAYE’s Timeless ‘Chic Nude’ Nails She Debuted at the VMAs
British singer-songwriter RAYE brought the glamour to the MTV VMAs with not one, not two, but three sophisticated looks.
When she walked the red carpet, RAYE dazzled in a glittering Georges Hobeika Fall/Winter 2027 Couture gown featuring a sheer halter silhouette covered in intricate silver embellishments, crystals and pearl-like details. She accessorized with Angara jewelry and silver-blue satin pumps.
For her second look when she took the main stage for her solo performance. The “Where Is My Husband!” songstress donned a dramatic, floor-length white fur coat. She then removed the coat to reveal a shimmering red dress and performed her set barefoot.
RAYE had one more fashion change later in the evening when she participated in the VMAs’ tribute to George Michael along with Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert. RAYE performed “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” Michael’s 1987 duet with Aretha Franklin, and sported a fitted black dress with a plunging neckline and an asymmetrical, balloon-like silhouette.
When asked about her tribute for the late “Faith” singer, RAYE told Extra, “My dad is, like, George Michael’s biggest fan. It’s really, really beautiful hearing his music growing up and being able to be a tiny part of this incredible tribute. And I think it’s — in that moment, you kind of just realize what a huge impact George had on pop culture. I personally wanted to sing ‘Last Christmas’ because I actually flipping love that song so much! But it just wasn’t the time of year.”
With every different outfit change of the evening, the one thing that stayed the same was her “chic nude” manicure that sent internet searches for her nails rising.
Now, RAYE’s manicurist is revealing the step-by-step breakdown she did for the star ahead of the big show so you can recreate the look at home.
RAYE’s nail artist, Yoko Sakakura, shared with Showbiz Cheat Sheet that she opted for a soft, natural nude OPI manicure for the singer. Working with Raye’s natural nails, Yoko used builder gel to support her length and create a smooth, polished shape before finishing the look with a sheer cream-pink shade for an effortlessly chic finish.
“For Raye’s look, we wanted the nails to feel effortlessly chic and timeless,” Sakakura said, adding, “We chose a soft, natural nude that complemented her natural nails and gave them a clean, polished finish while still feeling elevated for the red carpet.”
To get the look at home, “file and buff the nails to smooth the surface. Remove any dust, cleanse with alcohol and apply OPI Bond Aid before gel application. Next, apply a thin coat of OPI Intelli-Gel Super Base Coat and cure for 30 seconds. After that, use OPI GELevateTM 4-in-1 Builder in ‘Blank Canvas’ to build the apex and create a smooth, structured shape. Cure for 60 seconds.
“Then file and shape the nails to perfect the desired silhouette. Apply one coat of sheer cream-pink OPI Intelli-Gel in ‘Throw Me a Wink‘ and cure for 60 seconds again. Finally, complete the chic nude manicure with OPI Super Gloss No Wipe Top Coat and cure.”
